A stop and chat with Freddie Ljungberg (Q&A transcript)

(Q: Is there a difference going on the road?)
“Yeah there’s always a massive difference. You’ve seen from the two games we’ve played at home you have teams that just drop back and defend. I think that’s why last season in the end we were quite good away from home, because other teams they attacked us and we kind of liked that. So I don’t mind at all to play away, it normally gives you more space. But at the same time we’re playing against Salt Lake, and they are the champions of America. So they’re a good team. When we played them last year at least they passed the ball and kept the ball well. It’s important us for us not to get trapped into that and when we get the ball that we keep it well and have a good passing game.(Q: On playing on grass for the first time this season.)
“I must say, I’ve played my whole life on grass so of course it’s something I’m more used to than turf. But at the same time, we play here on turf and so I try to practice on both. The biggest difference for me is when you hit corners and free kicks, it flies differently. It sounds weird, but it’s very different when you hit the ball on turf and grass.”

(Q: Has Qwest’s turf been worse this season?)
“Yeah, a little bit, but it could be the weather’s been really bad. I know that they try to look after it as much as they can. It’s outstanding compared to any other turf I’ve played on, so it’s very good.”(Q: Any migraine issues for you recently?)
“No, I haven’t had them for a while. Like I said, it’s normally if someone gives me something in my food, it’s red wine or cheese. And they gave me red wine before the game (all-star game in Salt Lake last year) and I got a migraine. So it’s normally an accident in the food department. And hopefully I’ll check the food double this time. (Laughs)”(Q: On three-points-at-home, one-point-on-the-road philosophy with this team.)
“I’ve never played for one point away from home, I’ve played to win. For me, that’s not good enough. You should always try to play for the full win. And that’s why at least in Europe we had a two-point system before for a win, but they changed to three points because you want people away from home to go for the win. In my mind, you go for the win. That’s how I see it.”(Q: Do you think the added pounds of muscle have helped you?)
“Yeah, I do. It’s been a bit physically I think both game. It definitely helped me to stand up a little bit more… It’s something I felt was needed.”(Q: On Pat Noonan’s inclusion to the team.)
“He’s a good player. He has a good football brain and seems to be a nice guy. We’ve talked about how he’s tried to adapt very well to the team. Some players don’t like to talk about the game itself, but he likes to talk about it off the pitch and try to learn how we play. I think that’s really good. I think he’s going to be a good addition to the team.”